Artist Malik Seneferu Unveils 'Ancestral Constitution' Mural Before Juneteenth

The vibrant artwork pays homage to Black history and culture in the Bay Area.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Malik Seneferu, a visionary multidisciplinary artist from San Francisco, has unveiled his latest work called 'The Ancestral Constitution Before Juneteenth to Black August'. The large-scale mural is a visual declaration that the true foundations of the United States were not written on parchment, but carried in the bodies, memories, and spiritual technologies of African-descended people. The painting features a ceremonial face constructed from diasporic patterning, ancestral codes, African fractals, and the histories of San Francisco and Oakland, surrounded by images representing the Black experience in America.

Why it matters

Seneferu's 'Ancestral Constitution' asserts that Black memory, struggle, and creativity are integral to the American experience, yet often rendered peripheral. The work serves as a mirror for the Black community and a monument to the ancestors whose contributions have been historically overlooked. By centering these narratives, the mural challenges dominant historical narratives and celebrates the enduring power of Black art and culture.

The details

The central figure in the mural is not an individual, but a composite spirit formed from every migration story, every liberation act, every mother's protection, and every ancestor's prayer. Surrounding this figure are maps and symbols representing the Black experience in the Bay Area, including the Golden Gate Bridge as a gateway of migration, Black Panther women as the architects of community defense, and mothers and children as the carriers of memory. The patterns, orbs, and ceremonial markings function as spiritual articles—living laws of continuity that cannot be erased by history books or policy.

  • Seneferu unveiled the 'Ancestral Constitution' mural in February 2026, ahead of the Juneteenth holiday and the start of Black August.

The players

Malik Seneferu

A visionary multidisciplinary artist and steward of Black culture in San Francisco, whose work transcends borders and explores themes of identity, resilience, and cultural memory.

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What they’re saying

“The Ancestral Constitution is both a mirror and a monument. A mirror for those who see their own survival encoded in its face. A monument for the ancestors whose names may never appear in the textbooks, but whose brilliance built the light of this nation.”

— Malik Seneferu, Artist (sfbayview.com)

What’s next

Seneferu's 'Ancestral Constitution' mural is expected to become a cultural landmark in the Bay Area, drawing visitors and inspiring further exploration of Black history and creativity.

The takeaway

Malik Seneferu's 'Ancestral Constitution' mural is a powerful assertion that Black memory, struggle, and creativity are central to the American experience. By centering these narratives, the work challenges dominant historical narratives and celebrates the enduring resilience and visionary spirit of the Black community.